If you want to live, work, and travel across the United States for a limited time, you might be wondering about your options.
While the US doesn’t have a Working Holiday Visa similar to the likes of Australia and New Zealand, it does have the J-1 Visa.
If you’re in turf management or groundskeeping, this visa can help you gain international experience and explore how sports turf is managed in one of the biggest sporting nations in the world. But getting a visa to work in the US is notoriously difficult, and we’re discussing the most viable options in this article.
The information shared below is accurate as of February 2025. If you’re reading this later, keep in mind that visa requirements, costs, and eligibility criteria may have changed.
Table of Contents
What Is the USA J-1 Visa?
The USA doesn’t have a single working holiday visa like Australia or New Zealand. Instead, the most common route is through the J-1 Visa program, which offers various categories for temporary work and cultural exchange.
The J-1 Visa allows people to work in the USA for a set period, giving them the chance to experience American culture while earning money.
To enter the USA under this program, your intended purpose of working overseas should meet one of the following criteria:
- Teaching or instructing
- Studying/ observing
- Conducting research
- Interning or receiving training
- Consulting
- Demonstrating special skills
- Receiving graduate medical education or training
For turf management jobs, the most relevant J-1 Visa categories are the Intern and Trainee programs. The Intern category applies to anyone still studying or people who have graduated within the past 12 months, while the Trainee program is for people with a degree and at least one year of professional experience or five years of experience without a degree.
There’s one big problem with the J-1 Visa: it’s difficult to obtain, especially under the Trainee program.
One of the main reasons is that the visa requires you to have a designated sponsor organisation that connects you and the US employer. This makes the process more selective, as sponsors have to ensure that their placements meet the J-1 Visa’s cultural exchange purpose, rather than simply filling a job vacancy.
The cost of the visa process, including sponsor fees, health insurance, and SEVIS fees, can also put a lot of people off. You will usually have to cover these costs yourself, although some employers or sponsors may offer financial assistance as part of the placement package.
In short, for most people, getting a visa to work in the US is nowhere near as simple and easily attainable as for countries like Australia. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Who Can Apply?
Your eligibility for working in the US depends on which J-1 Visa category you apply for, but generally, the requirements include:
- Being aged 18 or older
- Holding a passport from an approved country
- Meeting education or work experience requirements
- Being proficient in the English language
- Securing a job placement through a designated J-1 Visa sponsor
Approved countries include the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.
As mentioned earlier, you will also need a sponsor organisation to support your application, including arranging placements and providing guidance during your stay.
How to Apply
To apply for the J-1 Visa, you’ll first need to secure a job placement with a US employer through a designated sponsor organisation. Sponsors including CIEE, Intrax, and Greenheart Exchange partner with US employers to help people from overseas find roles.
The most abundantly available roles offered by employers for the J-1 visa are in hospitality, teaching, and public services, and you’ll usually be placed in an entry-level role—not ideal if you’re a groundscare professional with years of technical experience.
But if you manage to find something suitable through one of these sponsors, your sponsor will issue a DS-2019 form, which you’ll need to submit along with your visa application. You’ll also need to pay the SEVIS fee (currently $220) and attend a visa interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. The standard visa application fee is $185 (as of February 2025).
Processing times vary, so it’s best to apply several months before your intended start date.
How Long Can You Stay in America?
The length of your stay on the J-1 Visa depends on the visa category and your job placement.
Intern visas are usually granted for up to 12 months, while Trainee visas can last up to 18 months. Some J-1 Visa categories include a 30-day grace period at the end of the program to allow for travel.
Finding Work in Turf Management
When they are available (which isn’t guaranteed), turf management jobs on the J-1 Visa are typically found at golf courses, sports clubs, and stadiums. Many placements are seasonal, with clubs hiring extra staff during the summer months and playing seasons.
You’ll be vetted for suitability by your sponsor, and your application will be more attractive if you already have relevant experience, especially if you’re applying for a Trainee visa.
The Ohio State Program
If you’ve researched the J-1 Visa and your options are limited, we recommend looking into The Ohio Program (TOP) at The Ohio State University.
This program is one of the most popular and viable routes for greenkeepers and grounds maintenance professionals to work in the USA. It has been running for over 45 years and is widely recognised within the turf industry for providing high-quality international placements at some of the best golf courses, sports clubs, and horticultural businesses across the US.
The Ohio Program works by acting as both a J-1 Visa sponsor and a placement agency. This removes much of the hassle of finding your own job and sponsor separately. The program partners with elite golf courses like TPC Sawgrass, Baltusrol Golf Club, and Pinehurst, as well as sports clubs in Major League Baseball, the NFL, and other high-profile organisations.
To apply, you’ll need to be aged between 19 and 28 and have at least one year of experience in turf management or a related field.
Most placements run for 12 to 18 months. The program also provides health insurance, visa assistance, and guidance on accommodation.
Many greenkeepers who go through The Ohio Program come back with valuable experience that helps them advance their careers in their home country. If you’re serious about building a career in turf management and want to gain experience specifically in the US, this program is one of the best ways to make it happen.You can find more information and apply directly through The Ohio Program’s website.
Accommodation and Insurance
You’ll usually need to arrange your own accommodation in the US unless your employer offers housing as part of the job package. It’s a good idea to start by booking short-term accommodation, such as a hostel or Airbnb, for you to stay for several weeks while you find something longer-term.
Health insurance is mandatory for all J-1 Visa holders, and you’ll need to make sure you meet the minimum coverage requirements set by the US Department of State. Your sponsor will usually offer insurance as part of your package, but you can choose your own provider if you prefer.
Getting Ready for Your Trip
Before you travel to the USA, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money to support yourself while you settle in. Most sponsors will expect you to show proof of funds to confirm that you’re financially prepared for your stay.
You’ll also need to set up a US bank account once you arrive to receive your wages. Most banks require your passport, visa documents, and proof of address to open an account. Employers will also need your Social Security Number (SSN), which you can apply for once you’re in the USA.
Making the Most of Your Time in the USA
The USA is a huge country with diverse landscapes and cultures, giving you abundant opportunities to explore different parts of the country during your stay.
It’s well worth using your days off to travel, and if your visa includes a 30-day grace period, this is the perfect time to take a road trip or visit places you’ve always wanted to see.
If this article has inspired you to apply for a USA J-1 Visa, here are some steps to get started:
- Join our Facebook group to find job opportunities for overseas workers in the US
- Submit your profile on Turf Passport to share your availability with US clubs
- Visit The Ohio Program’s website to learn more about the relevant work and internships currently available
- Research J-1 Visa sponsor organisations and check their job listings for turf management roles